Dr. James H. Cyriax was the first to thoroughly and systematically study soft tissue lesions of the orthopaedic system, and devise a specific massage technique for their treatment. The technique is also called deep transverse friction and is used for treating muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules.

The major goal of this massage is to move transversely across a ligament or tendon to mobilize it as much as possible. This technique often precedes active exercise. Deep transverse friction massage restores mobility to a muscle in the same way that mobilization frees a joint.

The massage will be directly over the site of lesion and pain. The fingers move with the skin and do not slide over it. The thicker the structure, the more the friction will be given. The technique is to sweep back and forth over the full width of the tissue.

I am experienced with this massage technique to treat injuries and with mechanical overuse in muscular, tendinous and ligamentous structures. I also use this technique often for sports massage.

Disclaimer: Massage will not be given to acute injuries or over highly swollen tissues. A few minutes of this method will produce numbness in the area, and exercise or mobilization can be instituted.